Methods for cancer treatment

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel surgical drains and associated methods and systems. Specifically, the present invention includes a surgical drain with at least two ports. A first port drains lymphatic fluid from a subject for collection and analysis. The second port functions to introduce a therapeutic into the subject.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating cancer, the method comprising
 obtaining surgical drain fluid via an implanted drain;   evaluating one or more biomarkers in the drain fluid;   administering a treatment via the implanted drain based on characteristics of the biomarkers; and   obtaining subsequent drain fluid samples to evaluate efficacy of the treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biomarkers are selected from cfDNA, ctDNA, a protein, pathogenic DNA or RNA, leukocyte DNA, and epigenetic factors. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is a systemic chemotherapeutic. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is a local chemotherapeutic. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is an immunotherapy. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subsequent drain fluid sample is obtained within one hour of the administering step, one day of the administering step, or one week after the administering step. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biomarker is an antibody or antibody fragment.